Ocean Guardians Programme:
Outdoor Education & Self‑Discovery
Age 14－18
Explore coastal science, learn outdoor skills, and discover more about yourself — Ocean Guardians blends hands‑on marine fieldwork with guided reflection and team adventures for curious young people.
QUICK FACTS
Who is it for?
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Age 14-18
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Intermediate / Journey-based
How Long? When?
5 Days 4 Nights
Course Date:
Jun 25-29, 2026 (Click to enrol)
July 27-31, 2026 (Click to enrol)
***You are also welcome to form your own group of 12 participants**
Group Size?
12 per group
Instructor-to-participant ratios:
General land-based, non-technical activities – 1:12
Activities with technical elements (i.e. water, high element) – 2:12
Where?
OBHK Wong Wan Chau Base and Hong Kong coastal / country park areas
Accommodation: Wild camping
How Much?
HKD 7,200
*All meals included.
***Dietary needs and allergies catered for
Certificate?
YES, of course!
COURSE OVERVIEW
Ocean Guardians is a hands‑on, multi‑day field programme run by Outward Bound Hong Kong in collaboration with the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) — a research facility of The University of Hong Kong located on the Cape d'Aguilar peninsula, adjacent to Hong Kong's only marine reserve. It blends outdoor skills, coastal science and guided self‑exploration for young people who love the sea. Based at coastal field stations, small teams learn to read maps and tides, pitch camps, handle small boats and run practical field surveys — then pause intentionally to reflect on what those experiences reveal about their strengths, choices and values.
Over a few immersive days, participants move between action and reflection: morning skills and surveys, afternoon habitat care or kayak transects, and evenings of facilitated debriefs and quiet solo time. The result is not just new technical ability but a growing curiosity about nature, clearer self‑awareness and the confidence to act. Led jointly by OBHK instructors and SWIMS facilitators and delivered to AEE‑aligned safety standards, Ocean Guardians is about learning in the wild — and learning about yourself.
Who is it for?
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Young people (recommended 14-18) who enjoy nature and are curious about marine life.
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School groups, STEM clubs and individuals seeking hands‑on field science and outdoor learning.
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Beginners welcome — no prior field or marine experience required.
Why Outward Bound?
Outward Bound Hong Kong (registered charity since 1970) has helped hundreds of thousands of young people build resilience, confidence and practical life skills through accredited experiential programmes.
Our instructors are AEE‑accredited and safety‑trained, specializing in journey-based development for teenagers.
The Swire Institute of Marine Science
The Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) a research facility of The University of Hong Kong, is located on the Cape d’Aguilar peninsula, adjacent to Hong Kong’s only Marine Reserve. SWIMS offers a leading research environment for marine scientists and postgraduate students, featuring residential facilities with views overlooking the academic area.
What will participants experience?
CHALLENGE. REFLECTION.
COACHED FEEDBACK
Participants will travel to Wong Wan Chau (Double Island) in northeastern Hong Kong, within Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Plover Cove Country Park. There they will explore protected coastal and marine environments — including mangroves and seagrass beds — while taking part in progressive sea‑and‑land challenges, wild camping, solo reflection and cultural visits to nearby Hakka villages.
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Coastal field science: intertidal transects, quadrat sampling, species ID and basic water‑quality testing.
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Kayak transects and shore‑based surveys linking data to place.
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Outdoor & expedition skills: map reading, compass navigation, route planning, pitching tents, camp routines and simple field cooking.
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Progressive team challenges: navigation legs, low‑ropes/rope‑work or supervised challenge tasks.
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Solo reflection time with facilitated debriefs and peer feedback.
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Habitat care & citizen‑science: seagrass/mangrove monitoring, beach cleanups and data submission.
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Community connection: visits or joint activities with nearby Hakka villages and local partners.
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Real‑condition experiential learning: adapting to weather, tides and group dynamics to practise situational judgement and resilience.
Learning Outcomes
Throughout the journey, participants will gain #FutureSkills and measurable personal & interpersonal capabilities through progressive challenge and reflection:
They will develop:
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Practical field‑science skills: intertidal survey methods, sampling and basic water testing
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Outdoor competence: map & compass navigation, campcraft and safe small‑boat practice
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Data literacy: accurate recording, simple analysis and communicating findings
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Environmental awareness & stewardship: understanding coastal ecosystems and taking conservation action
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Personal growth: improved resilience, independence and reflective practice
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Teamwork & communication: lead and contribute in field tasks, collaborate effectively under pressure
What difference can parents see?
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Greater curiosity about nature and confidence in basic scientific tasks
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Improved self‑management: packing, routines and personal responsibility
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Better communication, cooperation and empathy with peers
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Observable practical skills: sample collection, map reading and camp routines
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Calmer, more resilient responses to setbacks
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Increased initiative: tries new activities and discusses learning goals
Safety Highlights
1. All sessions run by experienced, qualified, competent full‑time instructors
2.Instructor-to-student ratios:
General land-based, non-technical activities – 1:12
Activities with technical elements – 2:12
3. Comprehensive risk assessments and emergency protocols
4. Robust child safeguarding policies and ongoing staff training
5. Programs aligned with standards from the Outward Bound International network and overseen by an independent External Risk Management Committee, with institutional accreditation from the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).
Medical & Fitness Requirements
1. Submit completed medical form and consent
2. Inform us of allergies, medications, or special needs
3. Basic fitness required (able to join school PE lesson)
READY TO ENROL?
Course Fee: HKD 7,200
What is included?
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All instructor-led sessions
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All equipment
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Accommodation
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All meals
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Local transfers during programme
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Pre‑course briefing for parents/guardians
What to bring?
(For reference only. A full packing list will be provided upon enrolment.)
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Daypack
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Water bottle
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Closed-toe shoes (hiking)
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Spare clothes
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Light rain jacket
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Sun hat
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Swimwear & towel
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Toiletries
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Small torch
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Personal medication (clearly labelled)
Payment Method: Credit card, FPS, bank transfer.
Sponsorship: Eligible for Working Family and Student Financial Assistance
General Refund Policy:
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If for personal/ family circumstances you need to cancel and refund your program, after the deduction of the HKD1,000 administration charge, you can obtain a conditional refund according to the following conditions:
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The remaining balance will be refunded providing written notice is received at least 30 working days prior to program commencement.
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50% of the balance will be refunded for written notice received 20 working days prior to program commencement.
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No refund will be made if written notice of cancellation is received less than 20 working days before program commencement.
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OBHK reserves the right to cancel a program for various reasons. OBHK may also refuse participation in the program at its sole discretion, determines to be incapable of meeting the rigors or requirements for participating in the program:
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o A full refund or an alternative program will be offered. There is no administration charge incurred.
FAQ
Q: How strenuous is the course?
A: Participants will hike and/or kayak for several hours per day with rests. Basic fitness is required, and instructors pace the group according to conditions and ability.
Q: Do participants need to be strong swimmers?
A: No, but they should be comfortable around water. Lifejackets are worn for all water activities and instructors provide close supervision.
Q: What happens in bad weather?
A: Activities adapt to conditions; safety is prioritised. Some sessions may move to alternative land-based options.
Q: Are instructors first-aid trained?
A: Yes — all lead instructors hold current first-aid and water-safety qualifications.
Q: Can my child take medication?
A: Yes — disclose and label medication on the medical form; staff will store/administer as required.
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